The Importance of Landlord Electrical Inspections

Welcome to TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services Ltd. We undertake Landlord’s Electrical Inspections and issue EICR Certificates in Canvey Island and the surrounding areas.

As a landlord, it’s essential to understand that regular electrical inspections are not just a legal obligation but also a responsibility towards ensuring the safety of your tenants. 

These inspections are designed to minimise the risk of electrical faults, which could potentially lead to accidents, including electrical shocks and fires.

In the UK, since July 2020, landlords have been legally required to ensure that electrical installations in their rented properties are inspected and tested by a qualified Electrician at least every five years. 

This law is enforced under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. The aim is to reduce the number of electrical-related accidents by ensuring that all electrical installations in rented properties are safe and satisfactory.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines. However, the financial consequences should not be the only concern. Unsafe electrical conditions pose significant risks to tenants, including potential electric shocks and fire hazards. 

Beyond the legal and financial implications, landlords have a moral obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of their tenants.

Moreover, regular electrical inspections can also be beneficial for landlords. They can help identify minor issues before they become significant problems, potentially saving landlords money in the long run. 

Electrical inspections also reassure prospective tenants about the property’s safety, making it easier for landlords to rent their properties.

What is an EICR Certificate?

The Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a vital document that landlords should be intimately familiar with. 

The EICR is a comprehensive report that is produced following an electrical inspection. It outlines the safety conditions of the electrical installations within a property, acting as a testament to their safety and reliability.

Within an EICR, you’ll find detailed information on any damages, deterioration, defects, or dangerous conditions found during the inspection. 

The report will also highlight any non-compliances to the current safety standard that could pose a danger. This may include issues such as faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, incorrect installations, and other problems that could pose a safety risk.

If the property fails the inspection, the EICR will list the necessary remedial work required to rectify the issues and make the installation safe. 

Depending on the severity of the issues, they might be classified as ‘C1’, meaning ‘danger is present’, ‘C2’, which denotes a potential danger, or ‘C3’, which is a recommendation for improvement but not necessarily a safety issue.

An EICR is valid for five years for rental properties, meaning landlords are legally required to renew the certificate at least once every five years or at the change of each tenancy. 

Book An Electrical Inspection

If you’re a landlord in Canvey Island and require an Electrical Inspection and an EICR, we can help you. 

One of our NICEIC-registered Electricians will visit your property at a convenient time and undertake the inspection.

Please get in touch with us using the phone number or contact form below.

Hi, I’m Terry, the founder and owner of TM Hughes & Son Electrical Services

Please get in touch to book an appointment or receive a free, no-obligation quote

Call: 01268 351560